Located in the heart of downtown on Chapel Street and Broadway, The Shops at Yale is a one-stop-shop for high-end boutiques like WAVE gallery, idiom, and Derek Simpson Goldsmith, as well as national retailers like Apple, Patagonia and J Crew. Likewise, for those who prefer bookshelves to department stores, Elm Street hosts several smaller nooks ideal for posting up with a laptop and espresso.

9th Square

Tucked away in the southeast corner of downtown, Ninth Square is another New Haven burrow bustling with eclectic food, entertainment and nightlife. From live, late-night jazz at Firehouse 12 to free hands-on demonstrations at Artspace, Ninth Square always has something to offer. The same is true for the neighborhood’s retail portfolio, featuring hipster-friendly gems like Artist and Craftsman Supply and vintage favorite Civvies that each possess their own flare.

Nestled at the base of West Rock, historic Westville Village offers a trove of retail treasures for those who crave a laid-back neighborhood feel. Since Colonial times, the town’s main thoroughfare has drawn crowds with its constant buzz of creative energy, from critically-acclaimed performing arts and live, local music. Curious shoppers can expect to find an eccentric inventory of local art galleries, music stores and fashion boutiques.